Editor's Note: This is the ninth in a series of interviews of community opinion leaders representing a wide range of views about the future of Estes Park. Active residents of Estes Park are asked about their vision of future possibilities for community and economic development. Following is an interview of Dr. Don Sellers.

Dr. Sellers holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and worked in a large pharmaceutical business for 21 years. He has served on the Estes Valley Library Foundation Board, is a monitor for the Estes Valley Land Trust and is a member of the Association for Responsible Development.

Q: What are principal challenges to successful Estes Park change and development?

Sellers: The Internet is revolutionizing the way the world works and interacts. Home based computer related businesses that utilize the Internet are a natural for our area. Since Internet companies can work anywhere they have access to high-speed Internet, we should be able to recruit young tech-oriented families to our area, given the many outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that we have.

The Association for Responsible Development refined a database that identifies all town-owned properties and provided it to the City. What we found is that there are not very many undeveloped spaces left in town that could be built on. What is left becomes increasingly precious.

Advertisement

As open spaces dwindle in number, re-development will become more important and should be encouraged.

People move here because of the way our community is and not with changes in mind. The emphasis going forward should be on strengthening and modernizing what we have. An excellent example is making sure our public schools are maintained and strong.

Q: How should we identify and pursue important goals for Estes Park in 2014?

Sellers: There are land use plans and work being done on an economic development plan. We should use these and other vision and plan statements. To do so effectively and get a lot out of the planning that is taking place, it is important that the different parts talk to each other. We need to minimize consternation and conflict. The way to accomplish that is to listen to each group and work collaboratively. Negotiating through the many ideas and plans is essential to capture the good work that is incorporated into the individual efforts.

There have been several important studies done which should be used in conjunction with other data to guide planners in defining goals for Estes Park. The Larimer County Quality of Life Survey in 2013 indicated that protection of open spaces was the number one concern for the future. Preservation of open spaces was second in importance to maintaining good roads in a 2011 Estes Park study and was mentioned by 77% of respondents. Also in that same 2011 citizen's survey, the most mentioned item that would require additional taxes or fees that respondents would support was open space. Finally, 74% of voters in a 2008 municipal election indicated support for voter approval of Lot 4 prior to its sale. So there is plenty of background information regarding this issue that would be wise to utilize.

Q: How does the Estes Park School District fit into our development activities?

Sellers: To expect to recruit new people to Estes Park we must have good schools. I am pro-education and recognize that the student enrollment numbers have been declining. One important part of the overall future well being of Estes Park will include increased support for our school system. With the percentage of State support declining in recent years, we will have to address the support for the public schools increasingly locally.

Q: What is our most valuable resource?

Sellers: When we think about our community, most of us think about Rocky Mountain National Park as a remarkable resource. The animal populations and the natural beauty come to mind. It is pleasant being here. These are strong influences that cause people to move here and attract the large number of visitors that we enjoy throughout the year.

Q: To what extent must we be influenced by federal actions and to what extent should we take our own course?

Sellers: The impact of Larimer County and the State of Colorado is very important to us. Obviously, our proximity to one of America's greatest national parks suggests a very important relationship to the federal government.

At the local government level, we are fortunate to have Frank Lancaster as our Town Administrator. He has many connections with governments at all levels, which is an important asset for us. The partnership possibilities for Estes Park when we consider parking and transportation issues are important. It is to our advantage to maintain effective working relationships with all the agencies.

Q: How should we proceed to accomplish our goals by being civil and just what does civil mean? How should we reconcile widely differing views regarding Estes Park community and economic development?

Sellers: It is important to remain calm and listen carefully. We need to avoid a gridiron mentality that emphasizes winning at any cost. The examples that we see in Washington are not a good model for us. People don't like to see the gridlock. We can see the excessive influence of lobbyists.

We are better off using facts and data in our discussions; hyperbole doesn't work. It is possible to get to win-win and that should be our goal.